Walsall boss Dean Smith hopeful on out-of-contract stars

The Saddlers boss is keen to agree terms with several of his out-of-contract players. But Smith has also revealed he has talked to several potential targets about moving to the Banks's Stadium in the past week.

"I have been talking to a few of our players whose contracts were up and I'm hopeful to have a couple of them signed up this week," he said. "I have sat down with a number of targets as well and hopefully toward the end of this week we should have something done."

A centre-forward is top of Smith's agenda this summer, particularly after releasing 16-goal top scorer within a week of the season ending. The Walsall chief is also negotiating with several key men whose contracts are due to end, the most high-profile being influential captain Andy Butler, who had an option to extend his deal by a further year.

James Chambers, Ben Purkiss, Andy Taylor, Jake Heath and Kieron Morris are the other out-of-contract stars.

Meanwhile, midfielder James Baxendale today rejected the notion Walsall might suffer a hangover from this season's late slide next term.

Instead the 21-year-old winger believes this summer represents a fresh start for a Saddlers side who won just two of their final 18 fixtures.

"I don't think it (the poor form) will continue," he said. "You go away and reflect. If you have a week away from your job, you are itching to get back. You go away disappointed and that probably lasts for a week and then you have the whole summer ahead of you.

The Saddlers have confirmed they will travel to League Two Mansfield Town for a pre-season friendly on Saturday, August 2 (kick-off 2pm).